Mattis Pledges Aid for Ukraine's Army

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Thursday stressed Washington's commitment to helping Ukraine's military, and said sanctions against Russia would remain in place until Moscow reversed its policy on Ukraine.

Mattis said a new military aid package with Ukraine would help Kiev defend itself and accused Russia of seeking to "redraw international borders" by force.

"Mr President, we continue to support Ukraine and remain committed to building the capacity of your armed forces," Mattis said after meeting Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko for talks.

Washington had recently approved delivery of military equipment worth $175 million (148 million euros) to Ukraine that would boost its defense capacities, he said.

This brought total military aid to $750 million since 2015, although the issue of lethal weaponry was still under consideration, he added.

"On the defensive lethal weapons, we are actively reviewing it," said Mattis.

"Defensive weapons are not provocative unless you are an aggressor. And surely Ukraine is not an aggressor."

Kiev has for several years pushed for help with lethal weapons, particularly anti-tank missiles, and the US Senate in 2015 approved a bill that allowed such deliveries.

However the decision was ultimately opposed by the former administration of Barack Obama.